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09 Apr 2012, 06:13

I feel that I need to share this story with the public, both to boost the confidence of pessimistic test-takers and to advocate for the Kaplan method. On March 1st of this year, I scored a 550 on Kaplan's diagnostic GMAT test, although I had guessed on a majority of the quant questions and sentence corrections. I enrolled in a one-month, nine session Kaplan GMAT prep course, and scheduled my GMAT test (albeit unrealistically) for April 7. It met twice a week for 2.5 hours. As I am still enrolled in full-time school, it was difficult to find time to do the Kaplan homework. However, the skills learned in the classroom itself were extremely helpful, and would help me in April. On March 30th, I scored a 600 on another prep test. I took the week off of work, and luckily had a study week for school, from April 2-April 6. For the first three days, I focused exclusively on the quant section of the test. I used Kaplan's seemingly limitless supply of quant practice questions, while focusing on the methods taught in the classroom (how to analyze questions, how to eliminate impossible answers, plus the basic math skills), and scored a 700 on April 4th on the mbacom GMATprep test. However, I received an e-mail from MBAcom the next day informing me that there was a bug in their software, and grades were being scored incorrectly. Imagine the look on my face, and the damage to my confidence. That day, I focused exclusively on the verbal section. Based on advice from my Kaplan tutor, I dedicated most of my time to Sentence Correction, as it is weighted slightly higher than Critical Reasoning or Reading Comp. On the last day of studying, April 6th, I practiced a few Argument/Issue essays using the Kaplan structure, as they advise not to work on your weaknesses prior to the test (still being quant). The second mbacom GMATprep test scored a 690. On test day, I followed the Kaplan method to a "T". On tough quant questions that I knew I was incapable of accurately solving, I quickly eliminated impossible choices, and re-evaluated the question. On sentence corrections, I used Kaplan's method of looking for specific functions of grammar. Ultimately I scored a 750 (Q47, V47). There is no doubt that some element of luck was involved, but using strategies can improve that luck ten-fold. Knowing what to look for can improve your chances more so than memorizing quant formulas or English idioms. I would highly recommend the Kaplan method for many reasons, as well as focusing your time on your weaknesses as much as possible, while giving less time to your strengths. This may go without saying, but take it for what you will. I had one dedicated week to study, and without these strategies, I would be lost. Best regards and good (strategic) luck!

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14 Apr 2012, 18:29

I AM NEW TO THIS SITE..AND THIS HAS TO BE THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL , INFORMATIONAL AND INTERESTING WEBPAGE FOR GMAT ASPIRANTS THAT I HAVE READ ..(AND I HAVE READ A LOT ON GMAT MIND YOU) ALL THESE DEBRIEFS WILL HELP TO GET THE BEST SCORE WE CAN GET AS WE LEARN SO MUCH FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE..ITS LIKE READING A THRILLING NOVEL, OR EXPERIENCING 0 GRAVITY IN SPACE SIMULATIONS

Preparation lasted ~ 5 months..I was always decent at quant and from the start, was scoring 49-50 in Q on mocks but speed & letting go of questions remained an issue. Bunuel on GMATClub is great-- solve all his questions.. In Verbal, I was not aware of rules or logic..just practiced alot of questions-- lacked in speed and got stuck often. The first GMAT experience was nerve wracking-- primary focus was somehow to complete the test; wasn't sure of many answers esp. in Verbal esp. SC. Couldn't attempt the last 3-4 questions properly in both Quant and Verbal. The screen flashed a 650-- gutted;

GMAT 2--

Took a 2 months break but the GMAT score kept bothering me..knew that I will retake it. Couldn't start on my own so decided to enroll for classroom learning-- Joined Princeton Review Classes; Preparation~ 6 months. The faculty was great at PR, Delhi esp. the Verbal faculty; SC became my strong point and I achieved a 80-85% accuracy, CR improved marginally 70-80% accuracy however, RCs remained a problem- 55-65% accuracy and my timing was totally off; In hindsight, I might have over focused on the 1st 10 questions and ended up short of time.

Quant was the same even though I felt I had managed time better; Verbal- felt like I was doing pretty well and even started thinking of 40+ but kept getting behind on time which really messed up the last 10..submit- 690-

Low point in life. I have always been over-persistent with a cling on attitude and it is extremely difficult for me to let go of things. Started wondering whether the GMAC & the powers that be are conspiring against me and whether the GMAT is not for ppl lyk me..self doubt, inner demons, even the L word marked my thinking..was the accuracy reqd much higher than what I thought.. I deserved better maybe. My mocks seemed to suggest so..

GMAT 3--

Something within me jus kept me going..I couldn't stop now..690 thats not bad ppl said-- which made me feel worse..I shut myself down-- devised a study plan-- I knew it had to be Verbal which was setting me back..Quant had never been the issue even though I couldn't cross 49 both times..I decided to focus on the core issue -- VERBAL and I quit smoking..

Enrolled for e-GMAT- its different from most other courses-- inspite of the initial glitches, moved ahead with my prep..yes-- there is indeed a method to teaching CR & RC as demonstrated by e-GMAT--here are the main takeaways from the e-GMAT course--

-- SC- focus on the original sentence and error analysis. POE comes later and if the intended meaning is clear, u can breeze through this step.

-- CR- Pre- thinking helps u to structure the argument in your head; so that even if u can't guess correctly; u can identify the correct option during POE better

-- Last but not the least-- following the process for each and every question every single time; once ur done with the process- u move on, u save time

And never get bogged down-- I got a 50% on the e-GMAT Mini Test..e-GMAT workshops are great for practice and the analysis is unparalleled..

2 days before MGMAT repeat test - scored 770 and more importantly, could complete both sections well in time..Practice a variety of tests - U must try all the free sources including Veritas, Grockit, MGMAT, Edvento to name a few apart from the regular test series u take..monitor ur results n do in depth analysis and corrections on the same day.

Contrary to popular belief, took a paper on the day before the GMAT (had taken 2 papers the day before- 1 complete and 1 Quant); Wanted to be in qa mode and in rythm unlike previous 2 exams where I lazed around the day before the GMAT which made me even more nervous..I do recommend some light exercise a day before the GMAT as it helps get rid of the nervous energy -- did help me..just do everything u need to focus..

If Andy Murray could do it, .....decided to drive myself to the centre this time-- Quant was a breeze- kept monitoring time-- last question was super tough-- some weird series - could not make head or tail out of it..was unsure of only a few questions. Had Gatorade+ Crackle instead of Red Bull + Snickers this time-- more of a superstition thing..Verbal- in the break time I thought- these next few moments might well define what I end up doing with my life-- no stress- started off with 3 SCs n everything started falling in place-- couldn't have been more sure about the answers-- most of them-- I daresay if I could have completed the last 2-3 questions on Verbal, my score might have been even higher !! I would still take it...any day..!! New challenges beckon..